We have a lot of things to look forward to in 2023. Health kicks that will last a solid two weeks into the new year, gym memberships that we’ll neglect by the spring, and the classic ‘new year, new me,’ attitude that everyone starts with, but may not necessarily keep come February.
OK, so we might not exactly be looking forward to that, and, yes, our new-year habits may come and go, but with 2023 now here, there is one thing we can definitely count on: new promotional products that ignite inspiration.
We poked around the industry and chatted with some suppliers to help give you all a sneak peek of what new products to expect in the months ahead.
Let’s get into it.
1. Get Lit Tennis Shoes
When you hear the phrase “light-up shoes,” you might think of the children’s shoes that flash with every step, feature Velcro straps instead of laces, and typically have Spiderman or a Disney princess adorning the sides. We can assure you that’s not the case here. These shoes from Sock101 are a more mature light-up shoe — one that will get noticed at trade shows without also causing giggles.
“You know, shoes were something the industry had tried before, and it didn’t really go over very well, but in the last three years, we really kind of feel like we’ve perfected that,” says Kelly Yarborough, chief wisdom officer at Sock101, Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
Yarborough hopes that these shoes not only will catch people’s attention, but also evoke nostalgia.
“When you were a little kid, there was always that special feeling you got when you got a new pair of tennis shoes,” he says. “You could run faster and jump higher. The first thing you did is run up and down the store you were in buying your shoes. And still, to this day, I think there’s a different feeling when you put on a new pair of shoes, even as an adult, you know, you’ve got a little more spring in your step.”
The shoes glow in seven different colors (red, green, blue, yellow, teal, pink, purple), and they also have a multi-color fast-flashing effect. They are rechargeable and will glow for up to six hours without needing a charge. A logo can be placed in two different locations on the shoes, and shoe sizes available are men’s 8-15 and women’s 6-12.
“In this industry, I can’t think of a better way than light-up shoes to draw attention to a brand or a presentation, or whatever the message is that a client is trying to get across,” Yarborough says.
2. iBevel Plus 15W Wireless Charger
Coming out in January, this sleek wireless charger from iClick, Seattle, combines function, convenience and style options in one promo product. Say goodbye to tangled phone charger cords, and say hello to charging any type of smartphone anytime with ease and convenience.
“We know people love their cell phones,” says Wendy Knapp, executive vice president of sales and marketing at iClick.
Citing data from Reviews.org, Knapp says, “We spend four-plus hours a day on our cell phone, and 50% of Americans feel anxious if their cell phone battery drops below 20%. All that makes branded mobile power and phone products the best opportunity for companies to own the most valuable brand real estate in the marketplace today — the cell phone.”
It’s important to note that the wireless feature also saves wear and tear on a smartphone’s input port from repeated plugging in and unplugging of cords. Plus, the higher wattage enables faster wireless charging with compatible devices. This charger also pops into your choice of trim, including aluminum, bamboo, cork or eco.
3. Giant Handle Tumbler
During the pandemic, we got accustomed to outdoor events, and with that, their popularity grew. Now, tumblers aren’t just for morning commutes. They can be great for hikes, walks on the beach or long days at sports tournaments. That’s why Koozie Group, Clearwater, Florida, is releasing a new 30-oz. giant handle tumbler in the new year.
It’s made of durable stainless steel, the roomy handle makes it easy to tote around, and it fits in most cup holders, making it optimal for travel. The tumbler is double-wall vacuum insulated, so it keeps hot or cold beverages at the right temp for hours.
A tumbler can be a great vessel in a goodie bag for holding other promo items. With an empty tumbler, you can add a writing instrument, an adhesive notepad, a key chain, stress balls or even a cooling towel to gift to a recipient, all with your branding.
Distributors should also keep in mind tumblers are a great way to reduce the use of single-use cups, and will appeal to anyone trying to lessen their environmental impact.
4. Anywhere Belt Bag
If you’re browsing through Instagram or TikTok, you’ll come across influencers touting their “dupes” of items that typically go for a higher price from a name brand, but now they’ve scoured the internet for something cheaper so you, the consumer, don’t have to. Right now, it’s safe to say that dupes are all the rage.
The anywhere belt bag from Hit Promotional Products, Largo, Florida, is on trend for the dupe. Coined a Lululemon dupe, the anywhere belt bag is one of Hit’s hottest products, according to Traci Tarquinio, vice president of product development at Hit.
What makes this style popular is the fact that it can be converted from a sling to a fanny pack, and the quick-access features make this bag easy and more ergonomic to use for festivals, concerts, traveling, vacations and sports events.
“We always get asked by our customers to show our ‘retail-inspired’ products,” Tarquinio says. “They want to know what is hot in retail. Many companies are adding this to their program accounts and e-commerce sites. Industries that we are seeing the most success with this style are tech companies, entertainment, education, content creators, health care, and food [and] alcohol producers.”
